National Human Genome Research Institute

National Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Webcasts & Podcasts

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) has produced these webcasts to help students and teachers better understand the rapidly growing field of genetics and genomics. NHGRI researchers present information about the impact of Human Genome Project discoveries, the exciting research and advances in genetics and genomics that have resulted from genomic research, and the broad range of genetic and genomic career opportunities.

Some of these webcasts are also available in RSS for podcast.

To view the webcasts on this page, you will need RealPlayer, which you can download for free for either a PC or a Macintosh computer.

Genomics: Towards a Healthier You
NHGRI social and behavioral researcher Barbara Biesecker, talks about the importance of family history in predicting disease risk for single gene disorders and complex genetic disorders. The singer and performer T-Boz shares her personal story about living with sickle cell anemia as one example of genetic health issues. Ms. Biesecker highlights the use of genetic testing and reasons whether or not to be tested. The career of a genetic counselor is highlighted.

The Genome Era: What it Means to You
Former NHGRI Director Francis Collins describes the "genomic research adventure" that is leading to new and more precise ways to diagnose, treat and prevent common and rare genetic diseases. Dr. Collins talks about how scientists study the human genome, and what they have learned from sequencing the genome. He presents the story of a little boy, Sam, who is living with the rare disease progeria and uses this story to illustrate how understanding the genetic basis of the disease is helping researchers find a treatment. Ethical, legal and social issues such as the potential misuse of genetic information are discussed. Careers in genomics presented include: laboratory researcher; clinical researcher; researchers in ethical, legal and social issues; and genetic counselors.

The Power of Comparison: Unleashing the Dog Genome
NHGRI researcher Dr. Elaine A. Ostrander focuses on the "powerful tool" of comparative genomics - comparisons of genes with organisms. Dr. Ostrander discussess comparing the portions of genes from different species - such as the chicken, wallabee and pufferfish - that have common functions, and how the divergence of these genes is shedding light on evolution of the human genome. Dr. Ostrander's research focuses on genetic variation between seven major groups of the domestic dog. Sequencing dog genomes and comparing them to the human genome allows researchers to learn about what genes or portions of genes are conserved across species.

Life in the Lab
In this presentation, you will meet three young, very different scientists who are just launching their genome careers. Each scientist tells his or her personal story, how they were drawn to research and what it takes to become a scientist (curiosity and attention to detail), poviding examples of how scientists make discoveries, such as the "tilted mouse." The scientists also describe the collaborative life of the laboratory and the strong sense of camaraderie they experience. They stress that anyone can become a scientist, where everyone fits in because everyone is different.

DNA - The Next Generation
Filmed in front of a live student audience, this webcast features Nobel Laureate James Watson and Former NHGRI Director Francis Collins discussing the history and future of human genetics. Dr. Watson and Dr. Collins talk about the advances in their research since the description of the shape of DNA 50 years ago; how genes might be replicated; and the mapping and sequencing of the human genome in 2003. Dr. Watson recalls his "eureka moment," when discovering the shape of the double helix, while students from the audience participate in an exercise of matching up base pairs. NHGRI researcher Vence Bonham participates in the discussion about using genetic discoveries wisely and Dr. Collins encourages students to consider a career in genomics